Top Things to do in Kauai
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Kauai That You Shouldn't Miss
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Kalalau Lookout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By getreal2me99 - Honolulu, United States
Coming here is breathtaking. At first, it was overcast then a little drizzle. Well, it's Kauai, so expect rain everyday. Once we reach the lookout, thanked God, weather is cooperating. The sun came out and gave us a phenomenal panoramic view of Kalalau lookout. It was very stunning to see the valley and also see waterfall on the backdrop. Even though, I was not able to see the native I'iwi bird that feeds on the Ohia blossoms, though I saw couple Nene's (endemic to Hawaii) that flew over the lookout. Due to the ongoing COVID-19, there weren't much people here. You have the place to yourself much. And when we were here, there were only 2 other families that came from other island that were visiting the park. Ample parking where you are greeted with wild chickens roaming around. And yes, chickens are all over in the island of Kauai. I adore this place so much because of its natural beauty. Highly recommend to add on your bucket list when visiting Kauai.
2. Waimea Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,194 reviews
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Reviewed By Starlinghall
Beautiful sites that I think every person visiting Kauai needs to see... the highlight for us was going to the very highest lookout point at the end of the road at the top of the mountain. We looked out across the ocean and it took our breath away!
3. Princeville Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,052 reviews
Princeville Botanical Gardens is a family owned and operated garden paradise located in the Princeville area on the magnificent north shore of Kauai. Established by The Robertson Family with the help of their close gardening friend Michael in 2001, this 9-acre property has been transformed into a breathtaking garden with dramatic landscaping in two steep valleys. The tour includes homegrown honey and fruit samples, as well as a chocolate tasting that teaches you the history of chocolate making. You'll have fun learning about the uses and folklore of native Hawaiian plants and exotic species from around the world. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Visitors can experience the garden on pre-scheduled tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Tours are not recommended for children under 6 years. Moderate mobility is needed to go on our nature walk. Please be sure to call us before visiting. Thank you!
Reviewed By MichelleK776 - Sacramento, United States
Expecting a typical botanical garden, I knew I would enjoy browsing through the flowers, but this is MUCH MORE. There is a little natural medicine, unexpected and very unusual plants, delightful grounds, a chocolate tasting and instructing, knowledgeable guide (Sara) and definitely worth the price. I would recommend this tour to ANYONE looking for something a bit unusual and entertaining on Kauai. Michelle K
4. Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By U725PSalanh - San Diego, United States
They have reopened their tours from COVID they do them once a week on Thursdays at 10 a.m. I found them on Tripadvisor on a Wednesday evening and emailed them at 10 p.m. for a party of two. Jude called me back at 8 a.m. the next morning and was able to squeeze us in. That's quick service! The tour started with a history of their pineapple farm and how they got into the business. It was interesting and I just LOVE Jude's sense of humor! She went on to explain how pineapples are farmed and grown; very informative and interesting info! After that, we got to plant a pineapple sucker into the ground, as well as harvest our own pineapple. The pineapples on this tour were pretty small but it was just the right size to take back to our hotel room. We then got to taste some fresh cut sugarloaf pineapples, which were sweet and tasty! We were given the pineapple phrosties at the end of the tour, which was also delicious. It's an interesting tour and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
5. Polihale State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 946 reviews
A historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape.
Reviewed By genyit
Yes, the dirt road is rutted, potholed, and can easily take 40-50 minutes to get to the beach. I had a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 and it didn't make the trip any faster, but I wasn't worried about bashing the undercarriage or stressing the shock absorbers. I personally think it would be foolish to try this ride with a regular car (think rain, mud, sand, hard-as-rock potholes, etc.) just make sure you've paid for the rental car insurance if you do. As far as the beach is concerned, it was worth every bone jarring bounce to get there and back. I was there on a beautiful sunny day, there were only a handful of other people for miles of gorgeous beach. Recommendation: bring a towel, umbrella, maybe a light weight chair, and lots of drinking water. Note: on my visit the bathrooms were closed. Although I wore a bathing suit I never gave any thought to going in the ocean. The surf was big and wild with a serious undertow. It was amazing to watch the huge waves roll in and then explode as they neared the beach. If you look to the North end of the beach you see the mountains frame the beach. If you look south you see miles of pristine beach and dunes, really quite stunning.
6. Allerton Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,246 reviews
NTBG’s Allerton Garden Garden is located on the south shore of Kauai in the picturesque Lawai Valley. Tours run daily and include a ride from the Visitors Center in Poipu along a scenic coastal route and continue along the valley rim on a former sugarcane train railbed. Visitors disembark on the valley floor to explore this former private estate, named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the 50 places to see in a lifetime. Plants form the walls of outdoor rooms, the canopy of trees the ceiling. Housed within are elegant statuary and water features. A popular spot for photos is the ‘Jurassic trees’, with their massive curving roots.National Tropical Botanical Garden is a nonprofit institution, dedicated to saving and studying tropical plants.
Reviewed By EthM_12 - Mission Viejo, United States
If you’re going to visit the botanical gardens, I highly recommend the Sunset Tour which includes a visit to the Allerton House along with the extensive gardens. Sabrina, our guide was very knowledgeable with both the history of the home, its owners and the various plants throughout the grounds. She also regaled is with some Hawaiian history, including the life of Queen Emmalani. The evening concluded with a nice dinner at the Allerton house after a short tour of the various rooms. We really enjoyed this tour, easy walking and full of information. Thanks also to Sabrina for making it so enjoyable.
7. Brennecke's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Tzionap - Woodmere, United States
This was a great beach for kids. Its an area protected by a rock enclosure so there were no waves. Great tide pools for little kids and lots of shallow areas. Great place to snorkel. Best part was watching the green sea turtles come out of the water at dusk and go back into the water at sunrise. Beautiful place to watch sunset. There are 3 gazebos with picnic benches and a switch to turn on overhead lights at night. As grilling on the beaches is legal in Hawaii, this was a great place to have evening barbecues.
8. Hanalei Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,829 reviews
Reviewed By puaka1 - Lee's Summit, United States
Breathtaking beach with nearby mountains making it a heavenly experience. A little ways from Lihue but the drive is beautiful itself. When it rains you can make out countless waterfalls on the nearby mountain range. Friendly shore break for body surfing, body boarding, surfing, or paddle boarding. You can even make out local canoe clubs practicing in the bay. Would live here if I could afford it lol but since I can't I will be back, frequently.
9. Poipu Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,745 reviews
Reviewed By elsalita
We love this beach, we swim and snorkel here every couple of days when we visit Kauai. It is safe, there are 2 life guard stations. We typically swim and snorkel in front of the Marriott. We see beached monk seals almost every time we are there. There's plenty of fish to see and variety of fish is really good, humu's, wrasse's, moorish idol's, puffer fish, trigger fish, tang's trumpet fish and more, we have occasionally seen turtles and eels. The waves are sometimes a little large but it's usually pretty easy to get in the water. There's also covered table area's if your spending the day and bathrooms and showers as well. There's lots of free parking.
10. Salt Pond Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By BrendaFBurg - South Padre Island, United States
This was our favorite beach you take the little ones. Perfect protected area for the little ones to experience the waters. Uncrowded so there was plenty of area to set up beach chairs and be comfy.
